John Swinney has rejected growing calls for an independent investigation into SNP finances following the Peter Murrell scandal, with former Scottish government cabinet secretary Alex Neil the latest to demand such a probe. Neil, who served as health secretary and social justice secretary, argued there 'absolutely' should be an investigation, suggesting a senior lawyer be appointed to examine the party's governance and financial handling.
Speaking two days after Murrell, the former SNP chief executive and estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon, admitted embezzling over £400,000 from the party over 12 years, Swinney insisted no inquiry could be 'more detailed' than the Police Scotland investigation. He told the Press Association: 'The police investigation has led to a criminal case. There has been a prosecution and there has been a guilty plea... You cannot get any inquiry more detailed than a police inquiry.'
Former SNP Westminster frontbencher Joanna Cherry KC also demanded an independent investigation, citing a 'wider public interest'. Murrell, 61, appeared in court on Monday and admitted embezzling £400,310.65 between August 2010 and October 2022, using the cash to buy a motorhome, luxury goods, two cars, designer kitchenware, multiple pairs of shoes, expensive pens and a £1,200 space telescope.
Sturgeon has stated she had 'no knowledge or suspicion' of her husband's actions, but Cherry accused her of a 'remarkable lack of curiosity' over SNP finances, alleging that those who questioned the party's financial affairs were shut down by the leadership. Neil insisted the SNP must hold an independent inquiry led by a senior KC, starting with an audit of current governing processes and money management, as 'assurances from the current leadership isn't enough'.
Swinney accepted that 'the trust of the SNP was breached by the criminality of Peter Murrell', branding his actions 'totally unacceptable' and a 'betrayal of the party membership'. However, he maintained that the SNP has already conducted a review of its governance and has 'very strong governance' in place to ensure resources are well managed.
